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Dear Parent/Carers,
I trust you were able to enjoy the recent King's birthday long weekend and find some time to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. I always look forward to Term 4 as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students and college since the start of the year. In particular, I enjoy attending our annual Showcase Evening (Friday 13th October) and Awards night (Wednesday 18th October) as we celebrate and recognise the remarkable skill and achievements of our students.
I want to take the opportunity beforehand to thank the many staff who tirelessly commit to providing extra activities and tutoring that engage your child in experiencing new learning and skills for life. Without the dedication and commitment of our great staff we would not be able to achieve the remarkable results that we have achieved in 2023 in the sporting, academic and cultural arena.
Term 4 continues to see work progress on schedule for the new Performing Arts Centre (PAC) and J block refurbishment works. As the construction build ramps up closer to Christmas, J block upstairs and downstairs will be completed ready for the start of January 2024, while the PAC is on track to be completed after Easter in 2024. Both of these additional learning spaces will provide much needed classrooms and specialist learning areas for our ever-increasing student numbers. Next year we look to welcome another 200 Year 7 students as we reach approximately 1000 enrolments across years 7 to 12. While we continue to grow numerically, 2024 will also welcome our 5th year anniversary since opening and our first cohort of graduating Year 12 students. Both of these significant milestones will be celebrated next year as we look to refurbish Foundation Park and provide an opportunity for all school and community members to be involved in this milestone event. Further details will be provided later this term and again in early 2024.
While students may be starting to count down to Christmas holidays, I would encourage you to attend one of the many end of year events at our college as we celebrate another great year of Ripley Valley SSC fulfilling our motto of "Achieving Excellence Together".
Yours Sincerely,
Brendan Krueger
Foundation Principal
If you have not received your student's Report Card, please email administration@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au and a copy will be issued. Please remember to check your Spam inbox as the Reports are issued automatically from One School.
Welcome back to the start of Term 4! I hope all students were able to enjoy the break and have returned revitalised and ready for the final stretch before Christmas. Before we make it to the festive season - there are several key events in our school calendar which we are looking forward to celebrating throughout the Term. These include:
Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW):
QMHW takes place in Week 2 and provides an opportunity for all Queenslanders to consider and connect with the people and communities that they rely on to help them be mentally healthy, through a range of events and activities. This Year at Ripley Valley SSC we will celebrate Queensland Mental Health Week with a range of events including: presentations from LIVIN and HeadSpace; workshops with the Brisbane Bullets; and our Wellbeing Expo featuring a range of external providers including USQ Radio. More information about these events will be shared through Daymap Messages.
Subject Selections:
Next week students in Year 8 will complete their subject selections for Year 9 in 2024. Students will be asked to select two elective subjects for Semester 1, and two elective subjects for Semester 2. Students and parents will have the Subject Selection Handbook provided to them electronically on Monday 9th October to assist in making these decisions. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to make contact with Mr James Dunn – HOD Junior Secondary.
RVSSC Showcase:
Final arrangements are being made for the RVSSC Showcase which will take place on Friday 13th October and promises to be an incredible evening of student (and staff) performances. Doors open at 5:30pm for a 6pm start.
Awards Evening:
Preparations continue for the Annual Awards Evening, which will take place on Wednesday 18th of October from 6:30pm (Week 3) in the RaptorDome. A core component of this event includes the presentation of the: Raptor Awards, Special Awards, Subject Awards and celebration of elected school leaders for 2024. Invitations for this event will be sent out this week to the families of those students who will be receiving an award on the evening.
Remembrance Day Service:
This year the College will be holding our Remembrance Day Service on Friday 10th November from 8:45am in the RaptorDome. RVSSC will also be participating in the Remembrance Day Service at the Ipswich RSL Ipswich on the 11th of November. Our two Defence Peer Mentors will be laying a wreath at the Honour Stone as a mark of respect and remembrance to all those who have fought and died across so many conflicts.
Year 8 Camp:
The Year 8 Camp will take place at Emu Gully from Tuesday 28th November – Friday 1st December. Initial deposits for the camp were due by 1st of September with final payments due by Friday 6th of November. If your child does not attend camp, they will be expected to participate in an alternate program conducted at the school.
End of Term Rewards Trip:
At the end of this Term students will have the opportunity to attend the Rewards Trip to Wet‘n’Wild! Please note that the process for attending the rewards trips now involves students completing an application form which can be found on Daymap and on the student SharePoint page.
As part of the application process students must acknowledge the following:
- My current approved attendance is over 95% (see Daymap Profile for details)
- I have not received more than 2 Administrative Detentions this Term
- I have not received a suspension this Term
- I have completed all assessment, drafts and exams to date
- I wish to attend to all Ripley Rewards Trips throughout the year
- My parents/carers give permission for me to attend the RVSSC Reward Trips
Once completed the students need to email this form to: YCO@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au including their name and year level in the Subject Line. Further information about this event will be made available throughout the Term.
Welcome back to Term 4! I hope all our students and families had a relaxing and restful break and are ready for the final term of the year.
As we approach the end of the year, it is important to remind ourselves of the goals we have set along the way. Holidays are a great opportunity to reflect and reset before getting back in to the swing of things. I encourage all students to take the opportunity to remind themselves of not only their short term goals (Term 4 results) but also their long term goals (what they want to achieve by the end of year 12) and continue to work towards these. As you reflect on your recent results, determine the steps you need to take to help you move from where you are to where you want to be.
Author of Atomic Habits, James Clear, provides the following insight in order to keep ourselves focussed on our goals.
"When you're doing something hard, focus on the fun part.
Many people make a subtle mistake, which is they emphasize how difficult it is to do something. They tell themselves writing is hard or running is hard or math is hard. And so on. The dominant thought in their mind is that this is hard to do.
And it is true these things (and many others in life) can be challenging.
Meanwhile, people who thrive in a given area are often emphasizing a completely different aspect of the experience. They are thinking about how it feels good to move their body rather than telling themselves exercise is hard. Or, perhaps, they aren't really thinking much at all. They may slip into a trance during their run, a meditative rhythm.
But what they are almost certainly not doing is repeating a mental story about how hard it is to do the thing. Their dominant thought is about some element of the experience they enjoy. They are working hard, but with the fun part in mind."
YEAR 11 EXAM BLOCK
With the start of October, we have now only a few short weeks left with our year 11 students before they start their exams for Unit 2. Year 11 exam block will be held from Monday 23rd to Friday 27th October. All year 11 students will receive their exam timetable by email at the start of week 2. To help assist students and ensure that the exam block runs smoothly, we ask that parents please take note of the following information:
- Year 11 students are only required to attend school for scheduled exams or VET catch up sessions.
- Students must arrive at the beginning of the exam session and are to wear correct uniform.
- When required for a scheduled exam session, students must remain in the designated exam room for the entire scheduled session with their teacher.
- Year 11 students at school at any time other than an exam session or lunch break, will be working in the designated study classroom.
- The study room is a supervised room and a roll will be marked each lesson. The expectation is that students work quietly and independently.
- Any students with outstanding VET modules of work will be required to attend VET catch up sessions during the exam block. Students will be required to attend these sessions until all required work is completed.
Todd Robson
Deputy Principal - Year 11 - Pathways & Partnerships
I hope all of students and families involved in the local and wider community has a restful and replenishing holiday that were spent with cherished ones. This term sees many things happening within the Junior Secondary world, mostly around the Transition Day for our new Year 7 2024 students.
Year 6-7 Transition Day:
Invitations will be sent out later this term directly to those families who have been accepted for enrolment and have returned their completed enrolment forms. For your student to be successfully invited it is important you have completed the key information from the below infographic. Please keep an eye on our school's Facebook page for further information, along with information provided to your school's administration.
Year 7 2024 Transition Presentation:
On Thursday 12th and Friday 13th October some of our current Year 7 students will accompany both myself, Mr. Pym (Deputy Principal Year 7/8) when we visit Ripley Valley State School, Deebing Heights State School, Ripley Central State School and Amberley District State School. These visits are to open up a general Q&A forum to our future students where they can ask our current students questions like:
- What is high school like?
- Do you get to play sport?
- Do we get laptops?
- How long are your lessons?
These are to name a few. We look forward to presenting to our future Year 7 students in the upcoming week.
Football Academy:
In Term 3, we competed in our inaugural season of the Queensland Football Schools League (QFSL), see below a table result of how our teams went. We were ecstatic with where some of teams placed, especially with it being our first year as Football Academy school. We look forward to our second season in the QFSL in 2024.
This term we see students in our Excellence Academies being involved in the following events:
- U14 Calvary Cup (Wednesday 22nd November – Week 8) - selected students only
- U12 QSF Cup (Thursday 2nd November & Friday 3rd November – Week 5) - selected students only
- Kit Sizing (Friday 1st December)
A reminder to look out for any Football Academy specific information from either myself or Mr. Ben Sharma (bksha0@eq.edu.au)
Congratulations to our Dance Academy team for their most recent performances at the Lockyer District Dancing Festival! We received a Highly Commended for our Contemporary routine and a 2nd place for our Jazz routine! This term our dancers are looking forward to sharing their hard work with you at our annual Showcase on October 13th.
Come along for a night of family fun and outstanding performances. Make sure to purchase your tickets through the following link:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1093452
Next week students in Year 8 will complete their subject selections for Year 9 in 2024. Students will be asked to select two elective subjects for Semester 1, and two elective subjects for Semester 2. Students and parents will have the Subject Selection Handbook provided to them electronically on Monday 9th October to assist in making these decisions. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to make contact with me.
Junior Secondary Subject Handbook here:
Head of Department - Junior Secondary - Year 7A to 7D
2023 Student Resource Scheme (SRS)
The SRS payment is now overdue, if you have not finalised your SRS invoices (including elective subject fees for years 10 and 11) please make payment via one of the methods below.
Please note that non payment will result in the students individual laptop being collected. Your student will need to backup their data onto Onedrive as the laptop will be wiped and returned to the school fleet of computers. Families with outstanding fees have been notified via email.
Payment Options
BPOINT – Use the link in the box at the bottom left corner of your invoice, this will take you directly to the payment screen to enter your details.
Phone payments using Credit/Debit card – Call 1300 631 073 Option 2. You will need your Customer Reference Number (CRN) and Invoice Number from the bottom left corner of your invoice.
In person at the office– The payment window will be open for EFTPOS, cash or cheque payments Monday to Friday 8am – 12pm (other times by appointment).
Individualised payment plans by Direct Debit - Set and forget. If you would like to set up a direct debit payment using your bank account or credit card, email bsm@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au with the date you want the payments to start and how often you would like the payments made e.g. weekly ($27.00 over 25 weeks) or fortnightly ($56.25 over 12 fortnights).
Centrepay Deduction - Payment by Centrepay deduction can also be arranged through Administration.
Michelle Mills
Business Manager
School Laptop Expectations - Being prepared for learning
We are seeing an increased number of students coming to school with laptops that have not been charged. Please ensure you have a system at home to help remind your child to put their laptops on charge each night so that they are prepared for learning each day.
Chargers are NOT allowed at school as they are a safety hazard. Student laptop batteries are made to last all day - and if they are not lasting a school day, they need to visit Tech Support.
Students are also required to bring their laptop case to school each day, and have the Ripley Valley sticker on their laptops at all times as it provides extra protection for their device. Cases are $35 to replace, and stickers are $10 to replace. If you have any questions please email:
tech@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au
Todd Robson
Deputy Principal - Year 11 - Pathways & Partnerships
Welcome back to term 4. I hope everyone had a relaxing time with their family and friends. As we return to the classroom, it is important that students set new goals and implement strategies to achieve well in semester 2. It will be a busy term in maths department as most year levels will be doing two pieces of assessment to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the mathematical concepts learnt.
Year 7 students will explore the concepts of Statistics, Probability and Financial Maths. They will begin by learning how to calculate and interpret the mean and median of data sets and to construct data displays. They will demonstrate these skills with an in-class extended response. Then they will learn how to list sample spaces, calculate the probabilities of events and compare the cost of items. They will demonstrate these skills during an exam.
Year 8 students will be learning all about Measurement and Geometry this term as they learn how to calculate perimeter, area and volume of shapes and then moving onto triangle properties and congruency. Year 8 students will demonstrate these skills throughout two exams.
Year 9 students will also be learning about Measurement and Geometry as they calculate the area, surface area and volume of prisms and cylinders. They will then move onto calculations involving triangles as they learn about Pythagoras theorem, trigonometry and scale factor. They will be assessed with two in-class exams.
Year 10 students in General and Extension Mathematics will continue their work on Algebra & Number as they explore the concepts of inequalities, simultaneous equations and quadratic equations. These will be assessment with an exam.
Year 10 students in Foundation Mathematics will be exploring the concept of probability as they explore sample spaces, calculating probabilities, conditional probabilities, as well as, tree diagrams and Venn diagrams.
Short Course in Numeracy students are due to complete their final course work this term on the topic of "The Work Environment" as they explore everyday numeracy skills involving time, percentage, fractions, measurement and shapes. Students completing this course successfully will bank 1 QCE point.
Year 11 students will be starting unit 3 content from this term. Students in all year 11 maths subjects will be completing unit 1 and 2 assessment in week 4. Assessment schedule for week 4 will be communicated to students and parents/carers soon.
General Notices:
- Mathematics tutoring is available every week. Tuesday at 1st break and Thursday at 2nd break in CG01. All students are welcome.
- All students should be prepared for class, every lesson by bringing a scientific calculator, notebook, stationary and a charged laptop. Please support your students to be prepared for learning to ensure we can maximise our teaching & learning time.
Haranoop Singh Goraya
Acting Head of Department - Mathematics - Year 9A to 9D
Welcome back to Term 4!
Term 4 is notorious for flying by. For this reason, it is important that students apply themselves consistently across the term, particularly for our year 10 and 11 students who will finish the term earlier.
In the final lessons of term 3, Ms Champs' Year 9 students began 'Dissecting Disney'. Students were given a Disney film and were required to do some research about the text before putting the films in publishing order on a Disney Timeline. This timeline will support the class next term when they start to consider the ideologies presented in the films and how these may have changed over time.
During Term 4 our cohorts will be studying the following units:
Year 7 – From the Director’s Chair
In this unit, students will create an analytical text that describes and explains directorial choices that position audiences to respond in particular ways.
Year 7 IGNITE - Picture This
In this unit, student will learn about how picture books convey meaning and examine visual literacy elements including field, tenor, and mode techniques. Students will analyse how these elements have been used to construct representations of contemporary social issues in picture books, and how they position audiences to respond in particular ways.
Year 8 – To Infinity and Beyond
In this unit, students will explore speculative fiction and one of the sub-genres it encompasses. Students will engage with a range of texts including short stories, novel extracts, film and television extracts. They will develop their understanding of how texts are influenced by context, purpose and audience. Students will consider the value of the speculative fiction genre within the real-world context by using informative texts, technical and content information from various sources about specialised topics. Students will create a persuasive video blog that persuades readers to share their perspective on the relevance of speculative fiction to contemporary audiences.
Year 9 – Dissecting Disney
In this unit, students listen to, read and interpret a variety of Disney/Disney Pixar and historical texts including those that put forward different perspectives of social issues. They analyse the text structures and language devices used in each text to create particular effects and meaning, developing their understanding of how texts, are influenced by context, purpose and audience. Students will create a blog that evaluates Disney’s representation of gender (or other social issue) and persuade the reader to take up their position. To do this, students consider contemporary values, attitudes, and beliefs and how these align with key themes and messages in the film.
Year 10 Foundation English – Representations of Issues
In this unit student will explore a range of written and visual texts on a particular issue/concept. They will identify and explain how the texts use language features and text structures to create representations. Students will evaluate other interpretations of texts, analysing the evidence used to support them. They will listen for ways features within texts can be manipulated to achieve particular effects. Students will explore the cultural assumptions/ values/ attitudes/ beliefs presented in the texts. They will complete a short response exam where they will respond to one seen written text and one unseen visual text.
Year 10 General English – Good Reads
In this unit, students will complete an in-depth study of a play, short story or novel. Students will read and analyse the text, examining how the characters are developed and shaped by the attitudes, values and beliefs of the culture or society in which they live. They will consider the text structures and language features as tools for making meaning. Students will respond to a seen question/statement in an analytical essay, under exam conditions.
Year 10 Extension English – Ideas Worth Spreading
In this unit, students will explore and understand the purpose of a TED Talk as a contemporary contributor to the development of culture and social values. They will view and deconstruct a variety of TED Talks that range in content, purpose and delivery. Students will consider how TED Talks are constructed to impact on their audience, and their ability to inform, persuade and entertain. They will explore and develop presentation skills that will enhance the delivery of their own TED Talk. Students will nominate and then investigate topics that are suitable for the ‘Youth Speak – TEDx event'. They will plan, write, rehearse and present their TED Talk either live or digitally.
Year 11 English and Essential English
Our year 11 students will finalise their studies of Unit 2 and will look to begin Unit 3 content before the holidays.
We look forward to a productive and successful end to the year.
Thank you to Ms Champs for her contribution to this edition of the English faculty newsletter.
Ellen Grant
Head of Department - Science - Year 8F to 8I
In a fantastic display of talent and dedication, 42 students of which 15 girls of RVSSC have uploaded their entries for the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge and the Queensland Premier Coding Challenge. These young minds showcased their prowess by designing captivating computer games and mobile phone apps using Python and Animate CC focusing on themes like cyber safety, cyber security, sustainable futures, healthy living, and healthy eating.
What's truly remarkable is that these students volunteered their time and effort for these projects. Through their hard work, they not only honed their coding skills but also nurtured qualities of perseverance and responsibility, which are essential life skills. It's inspiring to witness the fusion of creativity and technology in their projects, reflecting their commitment to making the world a better place.
In the process, these students have gained a plethora of STEM skills, setting a solid foundation for future endeavours in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Their passion for computer coding has been ignited, and it's evident that these young RVSSC Coding Pilots are poised to make their way into STEM pathways in Australia.
We are also thrilled to share that three of our exceptional students have emerged as finalists in the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge. Their innovative projects have caught the attention of judges, and we eagerly await the results to see if they'll be crowned the winners.
This incredible journey of learning, growth, and innovation showcases the bright future of RVSSC students in STEM and Digital Technologies. We are incredibly proud of our students' achievements and look forward to their continued success in the world of coding and technology.
Keep an eye out for these young RVSSC; they are the future trailblazers in RVSSC STEM!
James Gerchow
Acting Head of Department - VET and Digital Technology - Year 11
| Yr | Class | Code | Due Date | Assessment | Details | Project Name |
| 7 | Design Technology A | DAT7 | W8 L3 | Design Folio | Design Folio 6-8 Pages | Hook Rack |
| 8 | Media Arts A | MED8 | Wk6 L2 | Assignment - written | Responding 400 Words | Movie Poster Analysis |
| 8 | Media Arts A | MED8 | Wk7 L3 | Practical Task – Project | Making Task | Movie Poster |
| 8 | Media Arts B | MED8 | Wk7 L3 | Practical Task – Project | Practical Task | Stop Animate and Listen |
| 8 | Visual Arts | VIS8 | W7 L3 | Practical Task – Project | practical and responding task | Landscape and Colour |
| 9 | Design Technology | DAT9 | W8 L3 | Multimodal response – live or pre-recorded | Production Process | Metal Tool Box |
| 9 | Design Engineering | TES9 | Wk8 L1 | Design Folio | Engineering Portfolio | Heli-Cars |
| 9 | Visual Arts | ART9 | Wk8 L3 | Practical task and sketchbook submission | Practical Task | Take-me-away ceramic unit’ |
| 9 | Media Arts | MED9 | Wk 8 L3 | Practical Task – Project | Production and analysis | Macro photography |
| 10 | Design Technology | DAT10 | W8 L1 | Examination | 60 Minutes | Introduction to Metal |
| 10 | Design Engineering | TES10 | W8 L1 | Project | Design Folio 6-8 Pages | Hydraulics design |
| 10 | Visual Arts | VIS10 | ||||
| 11 | Cert I Construction | VCO11 | W5 L3 | Practical Task – Project | Practical | Deck / Setting out |
| 11 | Cert II Engineering | VEP11 | W5 L3 | Practical Task – Project | Practical | Turning - Scribe / Pen |
| 11 | Visual Art | ART11 | W4 | Examination | 800-1000 | Art as Code Exam |
| 11 | Visual Arts in Practice | VAP11 | W7 L3 | Practical Task – Project | 2 Ceramic Objects & Catalogue | Marketplace |
| 11 | Industrial Technology Skills | ISK11 | W5 L3 | Practical Task – Project | Practical Demonstrations | Welding |
| 11 | Design | DES11 | W5 L3 | Multimodal response – live or pre-recorded | 8-10 A3 Pages + A3 Page Spoken Pitch | Commercial Design Folio |
| 11 | Film and TV | FTM11 | W5 L3 | Practical Task – Project | 2-5min + Treatment + Reflection | Genre Project |
| 11 | Media Arts in Practice | MAP11 | W5 L3 | Practical Task | Artwork 4 Images | Character Design |
Head of Department - Creative Industries - Year 8A to 8E
lstil21@eq.edu.au
Welcome back!
Welcome back to Term 4! The most exciting news of all is that Showcase is next week! Our performers and teachers have been working hard putting the finishing touches on our show to ensure that our wonderful audience has the best night! We are so excited for our students to hit the stage and share all of their hard work with you.
Over in curriculum land most of our classes are moving onto the second part of their making tasks. Dancers will be choreographing, Actors will be devising scripts and performances and our Musicians are hard at work on their compositions. This term really allows our students to get as creative as possible while they explore ideas to communicate meaning.
The Performing Arts not only teaches subject specific content but a variety of life skills such as; leadership, empathy, critical thinking, technology, confidence, communication, global citizenship, collaboration, connection and creativity. We encourage all of our Performing Arts students to give it a go, try their best and have fun whilst engaging in Dance, Drama or Music.
As we returned to school this term we were very excited to see our Performing Arts Centre building progress. From semester 2 2024 our students will have start of the art facilities to learn and train in.
New Term, New Space!
Our Year 7 Music students are revelling in their new space after moving from our Music room due to construction. This term, our students are working on their skills of composition, by learning how to manipulate sounds and create tracks on the digital software SoundTrap. Students have been working by creating tracks that replicate their favourite artists, and experimenting with the many sounds accessible on the software. Students have also been excited to ‘learn alfresco’ in our new learning space, which combines an inside learning space which easy access to the courtyard.
Showcase key dates:
Thursday 5th October TECH RUN 3pm - 5pm
Saturday 7th October FULL CAST rehearsal 8am - 12pm
Thursday 12th October REHEARSAL TBC 3pm - 5pm
Friday 13th October DRESS REHEARSAL 8.45am - 2.45pm
Friday 13th October SHOWCASE! Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6pm start
Only 100 tickets remaining - get in and get yours through the following link:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1093452
Jessica Starkey
Head of Department - Performing Arts
Head of Year 7E to 7H
Welcome back to Term 4! I hope everyone had a nice relaxing holiday and is feeling refreshed for another fast-paced term that will fly by.
The units we are studying this term are as follows:
HPE
| Year Level | Theory | Prac |
| 7 HPE | Food and Nutrition | 2 Various Sports |
| 7 HPE - Football Academy | Food and Nutrition | 2 Various Sports |
| 8 HPE | Fitness Techniques | Fitness Testing |
| 9 HPE | Mental Health | 2 Various Sports |
| 9 HSE | Motor Learning | Badminton |
| 10 Sport and Rec | Coaching | Various Sports |
| 10 Health | Personal Health and PERMA | N/A |
| 11 Cert Sport and Rec | Anatomy and Physiology | Strength Training |
| 11 Health | Peers and family as resources for healthy living | N/A |
Food Studies
| Year Level | Theory | Prac |
| 8 TFD | Let's Eat Something New! | Practical Kitchen Skills |
| 9 TFD | Eat Well, Live Well | Practical Kitchen Skills |
| 10 TFD | Cafe Cultures | Practical Kitchen Skills |
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me on the information found below.
James Gerchow
Acting Head of Department - VET and Digital Technology - Year 11
Welcome to Term 4! We are definitely on the downward slope of the mountain that has been 2023! This term is shaping up to be a busy one, not only with school events, but also with curriculum. This is a good time to remind you all to check Day Map assessment dates, and ensure that these are being met by your children.
This term, students are looking at a variety of topics such as the importance of water (7), mountains (8), biomes and food security (9) in the junior years. Year 10 students are looking at the impact of Covid-19 on business, the different migration groups to Australia and how they have shaped us as a nation, and youth justice in the legal system – a very current and topical unit to be studying! Our Year 11s are moving into an exam block very soon, where they will complete their last assessment piece for the year, before moving onto the units of study they will be preparing for in Year 12.
I am sure, that before we know it, we will be faced with the last week of school. Here’s to an action-packed Term 4!
Cecilia Hall
Head of Department - Humanities and Languages - Year 9E to 9G
Japanese - いそがしい です！
More exchange lessons for Year 7 and homestay opportunities.
The exchange lessons with students in Japan at Chiba Junior High School will continue into 2024. Our Head of Department, Ms Hall, and I are looking forward to Mr Kawana who is the teacher of the students in Japan, visiting our school in March. Mr Kawana will speak with Leadership, meet our students in person during lessons and discuss homestay options. There will be an opportunity for families to host Japanese visitors, in the future. This term, both Ms Hall and I will attend the accreditation course to be host school coordinators so that we can manage the Study Tours from Japan.
The Year 7s are going to Nerima Gardens today to participate in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) in Queens Park, Ipswich. This is a ceremonial way of preparing and drinking matcha green tea in a traditional tea room with a tatami floor. The 30 students are looking forward to the ritualistic ceremony involving them to follow rules of waiting till the hostess invites them into the tea room, sit on their knees, accept what the hostess says and gives them to eat or drink. The bats who were resident at Queens Park have left, so the students will also be taken on a guided walk in the beautiful Japanese garden, and guided through the animal encounter. The students are able to take photos for their assessments as they prepare to create a bilingual brochure for Japanese tourists visiting our area!
Keep an eye out in the next newsletter for information about the trip to Japan in April 2025!
Georgina Wellwood
Japanese Teacher
Dear parents,
Our SSS team continue to support students with small group interventions to help with personal growth. Participants are referred by teachers and parents but some students also self-refer. It is great to see our student's developing self-awareness and aiming to show up as the best person they can be.
Year 6 to Year 7 Transition
Ripley Valley SSC staff have been working behind the scenes to ensure the 2024 Year 6 to 7 transition is a smooth one for our new students. If you have not submitted enrolment paperwork and your child will be attending Year 7 at our school in 2024, we urge you to do so. There are many ways our School Support Services team will be supporting your Year 6 child with the jump from primary to high school but for now I’d like to promote our small group interventions.
In Term 1 of 2024, our support staff will be facilitating small groups programs for students who need extra support settling into a new environment and we need your help identifying who might benefit from these programs. Please read the descriptions below and email the Guidance Officer on jingr34@eq.edu.au so we can reserve a spot for your child. Our small group programs are popular, so to avoid disappointment, please reach out as soon as possible.
Janet Ingram
Guidance Officer
Welcome back to a new term. We hope you are all rested and ready to go for an amazing Term 4. There are a heap of things happening in the student wellbeing space such as different programs, events and much more. Stay tuned for more information.
Student Support through Chaplain and Youth Support Co-ordinators
The role of the Chaplain and Youth Support Co-ordinators is to work directly with students to support them emotionally and socially; and to assist with their engagement with school; working through strategies to ensure students have a positive learning experience. They can provide support with one-on-one conversations. If you would like support for your child, please email:
studentservices@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au
Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club starts back up in Week 3. If you wish to help out, please let me know.
R U Okay Day
Our R U Okay Day event happened on Thursday the 7th of September. We sold cupcakes, snow cones, music was blasting and much more. We want to thank all of those who came to enjoy the day and I also want to thank the Peer Mentors who helped and served during this event. I am keen to build upon this so that the message of R U Okay is spread.
Strength
Strength is a program run for boys in Year 9 and Year 10. The program is about finding significance, building resilience and having courage. The Strength program starts in Week 3. If you are interested in this, please do not hesitate to contact Student Services on studentservices@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au.
Love Bites
Love Bites was held recently for Year 10 and Year 11 students. The program focuses on building healthy relationships and what we need to watch out for in relationships. We want to thank all students who participated in the program.
Peer Mentor 2024 Applications
Peer Mentor Applications for 2024 are now open. If your child is interested, in this role, make sure they check Daymap for the application.
Take care
Welcome back to term 4 and the rapid slide towards Christmas.
Postings
Term 4 is usually packed with activities and events in the lead up to the festive season. This is no exception for members of Defence families, however, while many of us will soon be unpacking Christmas decorations and planning family get togethers, for ADF families, it is a time to prepare to move to new locations across Australia, to say good-bye to friends and family, or, if they are lucky enough, to reunite with them if they are returning to a previous posting location.
This is recognised as one of the most stressful times of the year for military families, as, along with the stress of the move, there is also the uncertainty of housing and schooling for their children.
RVSSC recognises these challenges, and aims to minimise any extra stress for families who may be departing, by providing our ADF students with as much support as we can to make their transition in schools as seamless as possible. Families are encouraged to liaise with the school or myself, so that we can work together to help minimise the impact postings have on all the family.
For assistance when posting, go to
https://www.defence.gov.au/about/staff-esources/postingconnect
If you need support, please reach out to the Defence Family Helpline 24/7 on 1800 624 608.
Amberley Community Connect
Amberley Community Connect provides an opportunity for Amberley families to socialise with a range of different events and activities. This is a great way to network in your local community, find out about what is happening in your area and to make new friends. For mor information please go to the following website:
https://www.facebook.com/amberleycommunityconnect?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Support for Defence Families with Special Needs
Moving can be a challenging process for any family, but when you have a family member who has special needs, the complexity and stress can be even greater. Recognising this, Defence offers additional assistance to Defence families who have a resident family member with special needs. These support services are designed to make the relocation process smoother and more accommodating. You may be able to access a Pre-posting Visit to your new location, valet unpacking service special accommodation during removal, extra travel time when moving homes, educational assistance and/or extra housing assistance. In addition to the practical support provided by Defence, we also collaborate with the Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG). The DSNSG serves as a national support network for families with special needs, offering resources, guidance, and a community of individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Defence families. For more information on assistance measures visit the Defence website or email specialneeds.families@defence.gov.au
Families with special needs | ADF Members & Families | Defence
ABSENCE SUPPORT
THE DEFENCE MEMBER AND FAMILY HOTLINE
1800 624 608
This is the first point of call for Defence families seeking support, information or connection with their community.
The Helpline can provide assessment, assistance, advice or referral depending on the family's needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information on the Defence School Mentor Program at RVSSC, please contact Tracey Cooper at tcoop203@eq.edu.au or call 3819 5333.
DMFS SUPPORT
Defence Member and Family Support is a sector of the Australian Defence Force that provides Defence families with numerous programs and activities with an aim to support them as they face the unique challenges of being a Defence family.
You can find more information on the Defence School Mentor Program at:
https://defence.gov.au/members-families/Family/kids/education.asp
To contact the Defence School Mentor: Tracey Cooper
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 0800 - 1430hrs
Email: tcoop203@eq.edu.au
Phone : 3819 5333
Tracey Cooper
Defence School Mentor
Ripley Valley State Secondary College
RAD
RAD is a general fitness program that we run at the college. RAD continues to run three sessions a week:
- Tuesday morning 7:15am – 8:10am
- Wednesday afternoon 3pm – 4pm
- Thursday afternoon 3pm – 4pm
There is no sign up process for RAD, just show up and start training! It is held in the college gym, located in the rooms closest to the undercover carpark near the oval. Remember to check Daymap for any changes to sessions throughout the week.
If you have any question about the above please contact Justin Clifford at jclif117@eq.edu.au or contact the front office.
Sports Co-ordinator
